Firefighters Complete 95% of Containment Line around Upper Applegate Fire
Resources assigned to the Upper Applegate Fire near Ruch had nearly reached their goal of lining the entire perimeter of the incident by the end of Thursday's dayshift, completing 95% of the fire line.
The Oregon Department of Forestry reported last night that the remaining portion has a high amount of conifer mortality. Tree fallers have been removing dead trees, fire-weakened trees and snags throughout the area to allow crews to complete the line safely.
Last night, resources were focused on bolstering the lines created around the fire and beginning mop-up operations to add depth to the perimeter. Firefighters were also working to complete hose construction around the wildfire.
A total of 224 personnel were assigned to the Upper Applegate Fire last night including eight 20-person hand crews backed by 10 engines, six bulldozers and seven water tenders.
Due to windy conditions on Thursday evening, a small spot fire crossed a line on the north side and crews quickly extinguished it. Resources will continue to monitor lines for any potential breaches or spot fires.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have decreased all evacuation levels. With this change, the Red Cross shelter at Jacksonville Elementary School has closed. Upper Applegate and Little Applegate roads are now open to all traffic, but there are still firefighters working in the area.
ODF last reported the size of the fire to be 470 acres and there was no update on its size in last night's report. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Posted on 6/20/25 6:44AM by Sam Marsh